More on Fibromyalgia

Somewhere between 3 and 5% of the population are affected by Fibromyalgia, although many go undiagnosed and the severity and range of symptoms varies greatly. It can occur in people of all ages, including children. Women are 11 times more likely to suffer from Fibromyalgia than men. The symptoms are chronic, meaning that they are ongoing. It is said that Fibromyalgia is not progressive. This means that it doesn't actually cause physical damage to the body. The severity of the symptoms can progress over time. About 25% of people with Fibromyalgia have had their ability to work affected. The average time for someone to be diagnosed with fibro is 5-7 years. This is because, until 2013, there wasno standard test, symptoms vary so much from patient to patient, fibro overlaps with many other illnesses, and the fact that doctors are reluctant to give a diagnosis of a chronic and debilitating illness.

Because people with Fibromyalgia do not look sick, and most of our symptoms are not obvious, it can be very difficult to describe Fibromyalgia to someone who does not have it. This is how we describe it.

Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain condition that challenges both patients and health care professionals. The understanding of Fibromyalgia has made significant advances over the past decade. The current concept views Fibromyalgia as the result of central nervous system malfunction resulting in amplification of pain transmission and interpretation.

The PAIN of Fibromyalgia is profound, chronic and widespread often described as stabbing and shooting pain and deep muscle aching, throbbing and twitching. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling and burning can be present. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning.

The FATIGUE of Fibromyalgia is an all-consuming exhaustion that can interfere with occupational, personal, social or educational activities. Many people with Fibromyalgia have an associated SLEEP DISORDER that prevents them from getting deep, restful and restorative sleep.

Leaflet

You can download our Fibromyalgia Information Leaflet and a business card sized description of Fibromyalgia in the Members section of this site.

The Spoon Theory

The 'Spoon Theory' is one way of describing how fibro patients are affected by their lack of energy. It talks about how we have far fewer 'spoonfuls' of energy than others, and that we have to be careful how we use them.

The Video Game Theory

A father was trying to explain the fatigue side of fibro to his young son and came up with 'The Video Game Theory'. Younger people might understand and appreciate this explanation more than the Spoon Theory.